BERWYN – Carla Trombetta grew up cooking. When she was young, she recalled watching her family in the kitchen as they made mouthwatering Italian dishes and dreaming of owning her own restaurant.

On May 20, the dream came true with the opening of Carla’s Place, 6838 W. Windsor Ave., Berwyn.

“I learned a lot about cooking from my family,” she said. “My Mom is Italian and my father was Greek. I’ve always wanted my own place and finally was able to do it.”

With its black tin ceiling, dark paneling and wood floors, Trombetta has created an inviting ambiance which pulls a person inside. It’s a little place – there only are six tables inside and some outdoor cafe seating – but it has a big menu. Dishes include Italian pasta favorites, as well as chicken dishes and steamed mussels in red or white sauce. They also offer some American fare with a collection of burgers, hot dogs and, of course, the Italian beef sandwich. Carla’s place also offer a full menu for catered events.

Trombetta is especially proud of one of her biggest sellers, the Beef Bowl: a half-pound round loaf of bread stuffed with Italian beef, sweet or hot peppers and then covered in mozzarella cheese and baked. It comes with a side of beef gravy.

Trombetta was born to cook. Her family owns Capone’s in Lombard and Capone’s Deli in Bloomingdale. From a young age, she was a student of food and, as an adult, attended the Le Cordon Bleu College Of Culinary Arts in Chicago where she took her culinary vows.

As for business, Trombetta said things are good.

“We’ve been very busy every day,” she said. “I think it’s because everything’s homemade and fresh, and it’s not pricey.”

Carla’s Place fits in well with the Depot District plan, said Anthony Griffin, executive director of the Berwyn Development Corporation.

“The Depot District is typically filled with independent entrepreneurs, and that’s exactly what Carla’s Place is,” Griffin said. “The business mix we look for is something that can support the immediate neighborhood and draw in customers from the surrounding area. This business is very compatible with many of the events we have here.”